FLYGUY From Canada, joined May 1999, 137 posts, RR: 0 Posted (6 years 7 months 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 3215 times:
I'm in the process of booking a trip across the pond and wanted to know other's opinions on which airline to fly.
The route will be YCD-YVR-LHR and return. BA and AC are posting similar prices. The AC flight will be in a 763 compared to BA's 744. This will be an economy seat... which airline do you think would be more comfortable and a more enjoyable flight?
Also, several websites are trying to sell AC for YCD-YVR and then BA for YVR-LHR. If I did do this option, would I have to check-in again in YVR with BA, or would AC put my bags right through for me once I check in at YCD.
EHHO From Bulgaria, joined Dec 2005, 815 posts, RR: 8 Reply 3, posted (6 years 7 months 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 3170 times:
Last I've flown in AC transatlantic was 2 years ago, B763 YYZ-FRA. BA was last December on B772, but that was J. I took them in Y on the B744 in August 2005 though, LHR-ORD.
If you're flying in Y, I would go for BA. Not only is a B744 more comfortable than the B763 (less cramped, roomier), the BA inflight product is better. Better food, and they have IFE on PTVs (if you like it). The AC B763 are pretty worn out (I heard they're getting refurbished though), and AC service is of a lower standard overall than BA. And they show old French movies on those huge overhead tricolor projectors.
"Get your facts first. Then you may distort them as much as you please" -- Mark Twain
YYZYHZ From Canada, joined May 2006, 96 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (6 years 7 months 6 days ago) and read 3122 times:
Well the last time I flew BA, I was 3, so I can't really remember, but I hear that the food is good, and they have PTVs. However, if legroom is your main concern, then I'd choose AC as they offer 32-34 inches as opposed to 31 on BA. Also the 767 is 2-3-2, whereas the 747 is 3-4-3, so there is a less odds of getting a middle seat. On a night flight, I'd choose legroom over IFE, but that's just me. Also, AC already has a B767 that is completely refurbished offering PTV's, in is right now working on the rest of the 763 fleet, so you may get on that one, although the chances are probably unlikely. I guess it all depends on what your prefer when it comes to air travel.
BritPilot777 From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2004, 1075 posts, RR: 3 Reply 6, posted (6 years 7 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 3116 times:
I would personally choose BA (hell I admit I'm biased but here's why)
As you have said, the BA flight would be with a 744 (that should convince anyone ). The food is pretty good with BA and you will have your personal IFE. I am not sure about this with AC but BA still offers free alcohol on international flights. I understand AC are in the process of upgrading their 763's, though I think the majority still have the screen at the front of the cabin which show the inflight entertainment. Even though some people have a problem with 3-4-3 seating, the online check in option is the best way to get the seat you want, and if your travelling after December 5th, nearly every seat will be available to choose from online as per the new seating policy being introduced by BA.
Quoting FLYGUY (Thread starter): Also, several websites are trying to sell AC for YCD-YVR and then BA for YVR-LHR. If I did do this option, would I have to check-in again in YVR with BA, or would AC put my bags right through for me once I check in at YCD.
As the booking would be under one reservation the bags can be tagged to LHR, though you would need to re check in with BA in YVR and present your bag tag to the agent to enter it under your booking.
ZBBYLW From Canada, joined Nov 2006, 1927 posts, RR: 7 Reply 7, posted (6 years 7 months 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 3099 times:
Quoting BritPilot777 (Reply 6): As the booking would be under one reservation the bags can be tagged to LHR, though you would need to re check in with BA in YVR and present your bag tag to the agent to enter it under your booking.
I am not so sure weather your bags will be put all the way through or not, I am going to assume they are not though. As for weather AC or BA I am going to have to say AC. The 744 though a novelty to go on, is not as comfortable then a 763 (in the back) 3-4-3 compared to 2-3-2 in my opinion 3-4-3 is going to feel alot more packed then the 2-3-2 of AC. AC is updating the interior of there 763's as well as there 333's (the other plane that flies YVR-LHR). I have flown Y on AC SYD-HNL-YVR and FCO-YYZ on the 763's and FRA-YYZ 744 (last AC 744 flight) and YVR-ICN-YVR 343 and have found that Y is good. Seeing as how you are departing YCD you will be leaving on QK (AC Jazz) and I personally think it would make sense to stay on AC as it will be garenteed that the bags can be checked all the way through to LHR and you can also check in for your LHR flight right in YCD (even though you are going to have to exit security in order to walk over to the international terminal anyhow. Also I am sorry for any spelling mistakes, i pressed the spell check, and every single word except some of the airport locators and the numeric digits turned up red even though i know at least some of them are correct. Tried a few times.
Swissy From Switzerland, joined Jan 2005, 1734 posts, RR: 5 Reply 10, posted (6 years 7 months 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 2936 times:
Well if you have the luck of getting the "makeover" 767 then go with AC, smaller less cramp feeling, but if you have a "old" style ones better book with BA.
Just came back on AC879 ZRH-YYZ (very old 767 interior, old Canadian)
but service & food was very good.
IDISA From Italy, joined Jun 2004, 259 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (6 years 7 months 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 2919 times:
I'd choose BA. Have flown on September LHR-YVR and back (B744) and enjoyed so much the flight.
Quoting EHHO (Reply 3): If you're flying in Y, I would go for BA. Not only is a B744 more comfortable than the B763 (less cramped, roomier), the BA inflight product is better. Better food, and they have IFE on PTVs
Perfectly agree. Sure the B744 is much much better than 763 across the pond, there's no discussion on it. Also service is affordable and crew is as friendly as professional.
AY104 From Canada, joined Nov 2005, 503 posts, RR: 7 Reply 12, posted (6 years 6 months 4 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 2875 times:
I recently flew AC YYZ-AMS/DUB-YYZ. Not even a bar service before the meal! Even on the return, a 7 1/2 hrs flight, I thought they would have the bar trolley before the meal, then the meal service accompanied by another bar with beer or wine for the meal. Yes, they do have complimentary booze, but I would rather they charged for it than be so tight. Why would they not want to stretch out the service a bit on a transatlantic flight? I am quite disgusted over the past year how much the AC transatlantic service has diminished. I used to be a big fan of AC, and tried to defend them with all the negative comments they would get. It seems that lately they are really living up to the negative. Too bad, as I am Canadian and did have a pride in AC, even though I did sound a bit patriotic. Refubishing the aircraft interiors doesn't accomplish anything, if they don't have the service to go along with it. I didn't used to mind the aging interiors, because the service was so good. Next trip will be on
Zoom Air, I can't imagine their service being that bad, as a matter of fact I have heard lots of favourable comments about it. Give yourself a break, and try BA. I have had many great flights with them over the years, and don't hesitate to recomment them.
Cheers,
Carl (AY104)
The only thing a customer should expect for his/her loyalty is good service
SSTsomeday From Canada, joined Oct 2006, 1276 posts, RR: 1 Reply 13, posted (6 years 6 months 4 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 2856 times:
Quoting UAEflyer (Reply 1): I would take BA....for the 744 and the IFE.
I can't speak from experience on AC transatlantic, but I can with regard to BA.
The individual entertainment units at your seat really help the time go by, and help you forget how cramped you are. I don't know if A/C offers that.
I prefer the 747 (my favorite A/C - but that's not necessarily a practical reason).
Most importantly - BA has the best designed headrests I have ever experienced. They flip around and lock in the position you need, so that you can REALLY lean to one side, recline, and sleep, without them bending back to the neutral position as soon as you lean on them. It's an excellent design, so you no longer have to have a window seat in order to lean to one side and sleep. Bravo BA.
I recently flew on a UA 777! and they had "regular" headrests. My experience is that North American airlines are clearly behind.
(However I understand that on relatively new LH wide body Airbuses, there are empty holes where the IFE should be... So I will avoid LH.)
ACDC8 From Canada, joined Mar 2005, 7598 posts, RR: 40 Reply 14, posted (6 years 6 months 4 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 2852 times:
Having flown both carriers to Europe from YVR several times over the years, I'd have to say that it would be a trade-off of what you prefer.
From a comfort point of view, I'd go with AC. The 747 is just too cramped for my liking.
From a service point of view, both AC and BA offer great service, I have never had a serious problem or complaint with either, however, it does seem that BA does do more to make you feel more welcome on board.
From an entertainment point of view, BA has guaranteed IFE.
Convenience, AC will enable you to be checked in all the way through eliminating the need for you to pick up your bags and re-check in yourself at the BA counter in YVR.
So, if I were travelling that trip, I would go with AC. BA does have somewhat better service and the IFE, but the comfort and convenience that AC provides, for me at least, would be the deciding factors.
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). The food is pretty good with BA and you will have your personal IFE. I am not sure about this with AC but BA still offers free alcohol on international flights. I understand AC are in the process of upgrading their 763's, though I think the majority still have the screen at the front of the cabin which show the inflight entertainment. Even though some people have a problem with 3-4-3 seating, the online check in option is the best way to get the seat you want, and if your travelling after December 5th, nearly every seat will be available to choose from online as per the new seating policy being introduced by BA.
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